What is the main purpose of gathering evidence in a criminal investigation?

The main purpose of gathering evidence in a criminal investigation is to establish guilt or innocence. Evidence serves as the foundation for building a case against a suspect or exonerating an individual who may have been wrongfully accused. In criminal justice, evidence can take many forms, including witness testimony, physical evidence, digital data, and more. The prosecutor relies on this evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the crime in question.

Gathering evidence is crucial not only for securing convictions but also for safeguarding the rights of the innocent, ensuring that the legal process operates fairly and justly. It directly impacts the outcome of the trial, making the collection and evaluation of evidence one of the most critical steps in the investigative process.